Can you eat lutefisk while pregnant?
SafeYes, lutefisk is safe during pregnancy. It is cod that has been rehydrated and then baked or steamed until hot, and cod is one of the low-mercury fish the FDA actively recommends for pregnant women.
Why
Lutefisk is dried whitefish, almost always cod, soaked in a lye solution, rinsed, and then cooked through until it is translucent and hot, so there is no raw-fish or Listeria concern. The FDA lists cod among its Best Choices for pregnancy because it is low in mercury, and recommends two to three servings of such fish each week. The NHS also counts white fish like cod as a fish you can eat as often as you like during pregnancy.
Safer alternatives
- Baked cod with butter and dill if the texture of lutefisk is off-putting
- Poached haddock, another FDA Best Choice
- Steamed pollock, the same mild low-mercury family
Sources
- FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
- NHS https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/fish-and-shellfish-nutrition/
Every verdict follows our sourcing methodology: official health guidelines only, most cautious position when they differ.
Last reviewed by the pregAI editorial team.
Frequently asked questions
Is the lye in lutefisk dangerous for my baby?
No. The lye is rinsed out over several days of soaking in fresh water before the fish is cooked, and what reaches the plate is just cod with a gelatinous texture. Finished lutefisk is a normal cooked fish dish.
How much lutefisk can I eat in a week?
Cod is on the FDA Best Choices list, so two to three servings a week of about four ounces each fits the fish advice for pregnancy. Lutefisk is also salty, so if you are watching swelling or blood pressure, keep the portion modest.
Does lutefisk need to be served piping hot?
Yes, serve it hot rather than lukewarm or cold from the fridge. It is cooked fish, and reheating leftovers until steaming is the standard precaution for any cooked fish during pregnancy.
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Get instant verdicts on any foodpregAI is informational only and is not medical advice. Always check with your doctor or midwife about anything specific to your pregnancy.